Hardly a week goes by in Cameroon without a video emerging that documents violence against gay or transgender people. Our Observers, LGBT rights activists, brought this worrying phenomenon to our attention. In this episode of The Observers Direct, we visited them on the ground to see how they help victims and fight to change public attitudes.
Caught "in the act" with a partner, lured into an ambush or singled out for their appearance – LGBT people in Cameroon face daily threats, violence and suspicion. They are often the victims of beatings, evictions from their homes, prison sentences or even death, all because of their sexual orientation or gender expression.
Our Observers' fight against violence and discriminatory laws takes courage. While their associations are legal, their missions are sensitive: one of them asked to stay anonymous in our report and some activists preferred to use pseudonyms.
Their fear isn't unfounded. Some activists – even some lawyers – were taken into custody themselves when they went to the police station to help an LGBT person who was detained.
And they know that change won't happen overnight. Raising awareness and protecting LGBT people in Cameroon will also require the goodwill of authorities.
